Music
Music
Sevenoaks School has a long and proud tradition of music making, dating back to the 1500s when our scholars sang in the local church. Today, all students are encouraged to maximise their experience of music through the wide range of opportunities that the department nurtures inside the busy school framework and which encompasses classical, jazz and popular styles as well as the original creations of the students themselves.
At Sevenoaks there are opportunities for all students to hear and participate in many forms of classical and popular music. Students are actively encouraged to pursue their interests and contribute to the many group and solo activities which are available in our thriving Music department.
The department boasts a particularly wide range of ensemble activities which are open to all students of any age, from piano trios and jazz quartets to big bands and chamber choirs. They all support a concert series of up to 50 events per year which cater for the first-time performer as much as they do the experienced music scholar. Many are arranged by the students themselves and are eagerly supported and thoroughly appreciated by students, parents and staff alike.
Over the last decade, students have performed in Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Austria and Malta as well as in Oxford, Cambridge and London.
Watch more of our Music videos on our Sevenoaks School Music Vimeo channel
A team of 42 visiting music teachers support this education by offering lessons in 23 different musical instruments. Singing is particularly encouraged, and the department undertakes regular tours to European cities in the summer holidays. Over the last decade, students have performed in Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Austria and Malta as well as in Oxford, Cambridge and London.
The music programme is led by a team of 60 music scholars. As well as being regular contributors, they are always found to be encouraging other students, showing leadership skills by assisting peers and younger members of the department as well as looking for ways to be innovative and self-sufficient. Find out more about our music scholarships here.
Chamber music is something we enthusiastically champion and is especially strong at Sevenoaks School. We are regular finalists in the Pro Corda annual chamber music festival for schools and have been category winners at all levels in recent years.
“Playing chamber music at school has given me the opportunity to perform amazing music while making friends and improving my communication within an ensemble.”
– Eve, Year 10
Facilities
Music takes place within the award-winning Performing Arts Centre called The Space. Inside this wonderful resource there are nearly two dozen rooms, including 14 practice rooms and a dedicated recording studio. The Recital Room houses a Harrison organ as well as a Bluthner grand piano, a fortepiano, and a harpsichord. Next door, the resplendent Pamoja Hall features a model D Steinway grand piano. Every room has a piano and there are a further two grand pianos and two organs in the Music department for the students to use.
In August 2022, the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain performed at the Proms in London. This was the first time that Sevenoaks School alumni featured as both conductor (Andrew Gourlay, OS 2001) and performer (Eliza Ruffle, OS 2024, pianist) with this renowned British youth orchestra. Andrew Gourlay’s career as a conductor has featured performances and recordings with renowned orchestras the world over, as well as engagements with various British opera companies.
